Big 4 M&A vs. Lincoln Portfolio Valuations

Looking for some honest advice on where to spend next summer.

Background: I didn’t recruit for BB/EB or even top MM shops because I didn’t think banking was the path I wanted. I already did a PE internship sophomore summer. Since then, I’ve realized a couple of years in banking would give me the experience and upward mobility I want long term.

Current situation: I have an offer from Lincoln’s Valuations & Opinions Group (portfolio valuations). I’m also in the final round for Big 4 corporate finance (M&A) in NYC.

I’m not a classic banker bro and I’m not trying to stay in high finance forever. My goal is to build real experience, carve out my own niche, and eventually move into corporate finance at a Fortune 500 company, ideally on a CFO track. I’m chasing the skills and work environment, not prestige for its own sake.

I really like the Lincoln team. It feels like a place where I’d be valued, and I could see myself there full time. But I’m wondering if M&A at a Big 4 sets me up better.

Questions:

1. How do comp, WLB and exits compare between the two?
2. Which is better for an eventual move to corp dev or F500 corporate finance?
3. I’ve built solid connections at BB, EB and MM banks. Realistically, what are my chances of re-recruiting for a full-time analyst role from either seat?

Appreciate any insight.